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Next Laurel Hill project set to begin

An artist's rendering of the 13-unit Laurel Hill townhomes slated to be constructed on the north side of Laurel Hill Road as part of the Four Corners revitalization project.

An artist's rendering of the 13-unit Laurel Hill townhomes slated to be constructed on the north side of Laurel Hill Road as part of the Four Corners revitalization project.

Photo: Contributed Photo

Next Laurel Hill project set to begin

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BROOKFIELD -- A verdant stretch of Laurel Hill Road is dotted by orange survey stakes, right across from the first multifamily residential complex to be built as part of the new Four Corners revitalization.

The stakes mark what will be the second residential complex on the southern border of the community's planned downtown destination: the 13-unit Laurel Hill Townhomes.

Two years ago, Dakota Partners, of Waltham, Mass., proposed building a 72-unit apartment complex known as "Residences at Laurel Hill" that includes a historic home as a mixed-use property -- the house was moved to its new foundation last week -- and a second condominium project across the street.

Both are incentive projects that set aside units for moderate-income earners based on the town's median household income of $108,000.

Dakota Partners later sold the zoning-approved condominium parcel to Kenosia Construction in Danbury. A message left for Kenosia Construction was not immediately returned Tuesday.

First Selectman Bill Tinsley said this week that preliminary work on the Laurel Hill Townhomes project is underway.

"The work on that lot has begun. A construction silt fence and boundary markers are up, and I expect to see the beginning of site prep within a week or two," Tinsley said.

The Four Corners revitalization plan envisions the blend of residences with commerce as the key to transforming the Four Corners into a thriving, pedestrian-friendly business enclave. The revitalized area is to eventually boast casual and upscale dining options, recreational and cultural opportunities, and lots of shopping and professional services.

The mix of rental and owner-occupied units, aimed at young professionals and seniors looking to downsize, is regarded as an economic magnet because it would assure businesses a steady client base.

"There are fewer rental housing units, by percentage, in the Four Corners today than there is in the surrounding market area," the revitalization plan reads. "Due, however, to the relative shortage of multi-family rental units in Brookfield itself, and the changing demographics and growing demand for smaller units, there is likely strong pent-up demand for rental housing units in Brookfield, many of which could be supported within the Four Corners study area."

Since that plan was adopted two years ago, the Zoning Commission has approved three major housing projects, including the 100-unit apartment complex, Greene Acres, on the northern end of the district, and a large, mixed-use development for the main section of Federal and Station roads that blends about 79 moderate-income apartments with businesses.

That project, which is called Brookfield Village, is before the Zoning Commission. The developer wants to revise the plans to add an additional five acres behind the property, some of which they want to re-zone for another 24 moderate and market-rate townhouses.